Fares on premium trains come down after GST fixed at 5 per cent

Fares on premium trains like Rajdhnani, Duronto and Shatabdi Express have been slashed, courtesy a reduction in GST charged on food items.

From Monday, food and drink articles sold on trains and platforms by Indian Railways and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have come down. Plus the cost of ticket for premium trains which includes the price of meals too will come down. This comes following the finance ministry’s clarification that the GST applicable on food and drinks that is served to passengers on trains and even on platforms and railway stations by IRCTC will be at a uniform 5 per cent. Earlier, it was 18 per cent.

This also means that catering charges levied in premium trains may see a significant cut between Rs 40 and Rs 60 per ticket, depending on the class of travel and distance. Read More